Understanding Breast Lift Procedures: Your Guide to Options and Outcomes

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to restore the shape and position of sagging breasts, offering a firmer and more youthful appearance. A breast lift addresses this by reshaping and repositioning the breasts without significantly altering their size.

Types of Breast Lift Techniques

The choice of technique depends on the degree of sagging, breast size, and desired outcome. Here are the most commonly used methods:

Crescent Lift: A minor lift involving a small incision along the upper edge of the areola. It’s ideal for those with minimal sagging and is often combined with breast augmentation.

Peri-Areolar (Donut) Lift: This technique involves an incision around the entire areola, making it suitable for moderate sagging. It also allows for areola size reduction if desired.

Vertical (Lollipop) Lift: Featuring two incisions—one around the areola and another running vertically down to the breast crease—this method effectively reshapes the breasts for those with moderate sagging.

Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift: The most extensive technique, involving three incisions in an anchor-like pattern. This option is best for those experiencing significant sagging and offers the most dramatic reshaping.

Hybrid Lift: A combination of different techniques tailored to the patient’s specific needs, allowing for enhanced contouring with minimal scarring.

Auto-Augmentation Lift: A specialized technique that reshapes existing breast tissue to create a fuller appearance without implants, ideal for those who want both lift and volume enhancement.